Numbness

It is completely normal for there to be numbness around the incision area, and even a couple inches above, below and to the sides of it. Some mothers never regain sensation in that area, while some only regain minimal sensation. It may take up to six months for sensation to return in those areas. You might also experience itching in the numb area, and find that upon scratching it, you really don´t get any relief from the itching, and scratching it seems to make it tingle, and even hurt a little.

Swimming After Caesarian

Many women are anxious to start some sort of exercise program after having a caesarian section. Swimming is a great low-impact way to get your body back in pre-baby shape.

Many women are concerned with swimming too early. Most women are able to get their incisions wet as soon as the staples or stitches are removed.

The one concern about doing any type of exercising too soon after a caesarian is the risk of hurting the incision internally, which is why most doctors recommend no strenuous exercise for up to six weeks after the caesarian has taken place.

Doctors also recommend waiting at least four weeks before swimming, or until the lochia has stopped. If your lochia is no longer an issue, and it has been about four weeks, a woman may swim without trying to do it too strenuously.

No Baths

After a Caesarean, and until the incision has healed, it is best to stay out of bath tubs. Instead, take a hot shower if you need to soak the day away.

Tenderness

You may find that around the time of your menstrual cycle, that your scar may be a little more tender than usual.

Is It Infected?

If the scar becomes at all inflamed, sore, extremely itchy, or leaks fluid, notify your doctor. It is easy to get an infection in any incision, but twice as likely to happen if you have a "bikini" cut incision, since the waist band of underwear tends to rub it constantly.

Warning Signs

If your incision becomes inflamed, swollen, or starts to leak or if you start to run a fever of more than 101 Farenheit, call your doctor immediately.

Size

While Caesarean Section incisions will vary in size, most are 4-6 inches in length and about 1/8 inches wide.

Bikini Incision

The bikini incision is a horizontal incision above the pubic bone.

Blood Blisters

It´s common, if the scar tissue is pinched or rubbed wrong, to get little blood blisters. The blister looks as though it is black and may be tender to the touch. It usually either pops or goes away after about 2-3 days.

The Bandage

Depending on whether or not you have sensitive skin, the bandage that is applied immediately after surgery might irritate your skin. Be sure to let the hospital staff know if it does.

Scarring

After the staples are removed, there will be some redness. The redness will fade and there should not be any scarring left from the actual staples.

Coloration

The coloring of your incision scar will vary greatly. Some scars have a pink color, some blend in with a fleshy color and some are dark red.

A Work Area

Prepare a "work" area with peroxide, gauze strips and antibiotic ointment. Soak the gauze strips in peroxide and gently apply to the incision. If you still have the sutures, be careful not to get the gauze snagged. Apply the peroxide generously. Pat the area dry and apply a generous amount of antibiotic ointment.

Will I Feel It?

Two to Three Weeks after your caesarean you will have the sutures removed. If you have staples, a nurse will use a tool that looks a lot like a regular staple remover to remove the staples. It is usually painless, although you may feel a slight sting.

Daily Showers

Do try and take a warm shower every day and cleanse the incision area gently with mild soap.

Itching

Your incision will itch like crazy those first few weeks. Don´t scratch it, and report to your doctor if it becomes inflamed.

Taking A Look

You might not want to, but it´s important to take a look at your incision at least two-three times a day. This will help you to identify any changes such as redness or swelling.

Abnormalities

If you notice ANY abnormalities with your scar, notify your doctor as soon as you can.

Basic Care

After your Caesarean Section your doctor will staple your incision closed with anywhere from 10-30 staples! In the hospital, the nurses will constantly check and care for your incision, but once you are home it is up to you.

-Your doctor will probably recommend cleaning the incision daily: use peroxide (alcohol burns!) and an antibiotic ointment
-Keep plenty of gauze handy, it helps to create a barrier of gauze between your incision and your underwear
-Keep a check for any redness, itching or swelling. If you notice any of these, notify your doctor